Royal Porcelain Works – which has been developed to showcase the county’s artistry and craftsmanship – has welcomed ceramic painter Tony Young to share his work and inspiration to residents and visitors alike.

Tony’s work is available to be viewed and discussed either in The Museum of Royal Worcester or in The Studio

Tony’s work is available to be viewed and discussed either in The Museum of Royal Worcester on Thursdays and Saturdays between 10.00am and 4.00pm or in The Studio – above The Nest Café – on Mondays and Fridays between 9.00am and 5.00pm.

The Royal Porcelain Works – which is based on the old Royal Worcester factory site in Severn Street – is a vibrant new cultural development that features arts and crafts, a brand new exhibition area, a new eatery, all sitting alongside the world famous Museum of Royal Worcester.

Tony – who has been an artist all his working life – began his career at Royal Worcester in 1970, shortly after his fifteenth birthday.  In 1971 he was named ‘Best Animal and Bird Artist’ by the renowned ceramics expert Henry Sandon. His many special commissions have included painting the Queen’s corgis, as well as paintings for The Sultan of Oman. Tony has also built up a reputation for his repairs and restoration work which he also undertakes on site; these have included around 600 red poppies from the public art installation at The Tower of London which commemorated the outbreak of The First World War.

“It is really fabulous to be back and I am honoured and humbled to be able to share my work and the inspiration behind it to visitors.”

Tony Young, Resident Artist at Royal Porcelain Works

Royal Porcelain Works was originally founded by Robert Chamberlain in Severn Street and is being redeveloped by the Bransford Trust to create a new centre for the arts in Worcester, featuring The ‘Henry Sandon’ Hall. The 1852 showroom is at the heart of the development, refurbished to become a 140 seat capacity venue, equipped with the latest audio visual technology.

The Hall sits alongside The Nest; a unique, quirky, casual but comfortable, family friendly licensed café and deli. Above the Nest is The Studio, named after Sam Driver White, a space dedicated to providing facilities and opportunities for local artists and craftspeople to showcase their work and demonstrate their skills, in a purpose-built arts workshop and studio. These facilities, alongside a gallery and a courtyard, are host to an eclectic mix of events; including theatre, cinema, talks, antiques fairs, farmer’s markets and art workshops and exhibitions.

Sara Matthews, General Manager of Royal Porcelain Works said: “We are absolutely delighted to introduce Tony and his work to our visitors. Showcasing his skill and versatility is all part of our aim to raise the profile of the fantastic level of creativity and craftsmanship that exists locally, helping ensure these skills remain relevant to future generations and those traditions for which the city of Worcester is renowned live on.”

For further information please contact Sara Matthews, General Manager, Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email her at sara.matthews@royalporcelainworks.co.uk.